Emotion, Tension Fill Lady Eagles State Final

Athough the Aberdeen High School Lady Eagles didn't win the state championship on Saturday night, the team's fans stayed faithful until the end.

The Lady Eagles lost 76-71 to the Frederick High School Lady Cadets at the UMBC Retriever Activity Center in front of a packed house.

“It's great to see the arena packed for a female sporting event rather than just the boys,” said Mike Litsch, 43, and parent of Aberdeen High junior Zachary Litsch, who was also present at the game.

Aside from player families, Mike Litsch was one of the few parents at the game.

Throughout a strong first quarter, the fans cheered every block, basket and turnover that Aberdeen forced. 

The Lady Eagles trailed 30-34 at halftime. But the fans maintained hope.

“We came out fired up,” said junior Kevin Shumaker, 16. “We just need to keep our heads up.”

Aberdeen made free throws and a field goal by Lakeia Hayden at the 1:42 mark  of the third quarter frenzied the fans. 

“It'll come down to the last shot or a foul,” said Mike Litsch in the closing seconds of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter was action packed. All hearts were one among the fans in the final 40 seconds of the game, which saw dramatic turnovers from both sides and fouls by Aberdeen that gave way to Cadet free throws that would seal the game.

With 12 seconds left in the game and the Lady Eagles behind by five points, the cheering died down; a sign that it was over. 

After the Cadets gained a 74-71 lead, Frederick went on to victory.

Although some fans began leaving the arena in tears, most stayed until the end of the game to see the team receive the MPSSAA semi-final trophy ceremony.

“The full court press is what hurt them,” said Mike Litsch. “It was a great game. They played their hearts out.”